Sep. 2, 2008 at 12:13pm

SPEEA: Boeing risks 787 delays

The Boeing Co.'s public acknowledgement that outsourcing is causing problems with the 787 program is lip service until action is taken to correct problems created by a global network of suppliers and inexperienced workers, according to the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, IFPTE Local 2001.

Officials at SPEEA and other unions, including the International Aerospace Machinists, repeatedly warned the aerospace giant that it was a mistake to part out highly complex aerospace products to inexperienced workers around the world.

More than one year after a ceremonial "roll out" of a 787 shell, the same aircraft remains in the factory incomplete and missing parts from suppliers. Facing a strike by the IAM and preparing to open contract talks with SPEEA, Boeing launched last week a radio advertising campaign in the Puget Sound region aimed at convincing employees and the public of its good intentions. SPEEA begins main table negotiations Oct. 28 with Boeing for 21,000 employees in Washington, Kansas, Oregon, Utah and California.

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